Operation Red Nose



Operation Red Nose

Last call before you hit the road! Call a friend, a cab or
Operation Red Nose

2023 Operation Red Nose back and ready for Another Year


If you are interested in volunteering this year
please click the 'VOLUNTEER NOW' button
found in the top right corner.


We look forward to another fun year.

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Honorary Co-Chairs

This year's Honorary Operation Red Nose Co-Chairs are from Starboard Communications and Co-Hosts for 95.5 Hits FM, Mark Philbin and Charity Brown.

Mark and Charity
 

2023 Operation Red Nose Statistics

0 5 4 3
Number of Rides so far this year
1 9 2 2 9 K M S
Distance travelled so far this year
1 0 7 8
Number of People Served
0 4 1 2
Volunteers Serving the Community

Operation Red Nose?

Say you're heading out to celebrate the holiday season on a cold December weekend. Maybe you plan on having a few drinks or on staying out ‘till the sun comes up. The thing is, you're also planning on bringing your vehicle. So if you do have those drinks or start falling asleep on your feet, do you have a plan for getting home - without getting behind the wheel and endangering people?

Why not plan on calling Operation Red Nose?

Operation Red Nose is a unique December-only designated driver program that operates for free. When you call your local Operation Red Nose headquarters, a three-person Driving Team will be dispatched to pick up you, your passengers AND your car. You and your fellow passengers will be driven to your destination in your vehicle and followed by a Operation Red Nose Escort. You can even call more than once during the same evening.Everyone gets home safely and your vehicle will be there waiting for you in the morning, all free of charge...although donations are accepted and all proceeds will go toward supporting local programs.So keep the snowy streets a little safer and give some kids a shot at sports, all with a single call!

Can anyone call Operation Red Nose?

Operation Red Nose isn't a taxi service. It's a unique program that gets both vehicles and drivers home safely. So while anyone can call, you must have a vehicle in order to get a ride. You also need to wear seat belts so if you have more passengers than seat belts, someone will be staying behind.

How many volunteers does Operation Red Nose need to operate?

It's a case of, “the more, the merrier.” We have a dedicated group of 300 – 350 fantastic volunteers who help keep Operation Red Nose running. However, it's a popular program. The more people that call for rides, the more help we can use to make sure no one is kept waiting for long. If you have an evening to spare and a valid driver's license, we'd love to have you on our team!

What does Operation Red Nose charge for rides?

In a word: nothing. Operation Red Nose Sponsors cover the program's basic operating costs and our many generous volunteers donate their time. However, donations are definitely accepted, and all proceeds go toward supporting programs in the Quinte area.

Is the service confidential?

Absolutely! All volunteers sign a form agreeing not to provide any information that might be used to identify a client, their passengers or their addresses. So don't let worries about discretion drive you away.

The YMCA of Central East Ontario

The YMCA of Central East Ontario, Belleville and John Williams branches, are pleased to be the host organization for Operation Red Nose. Proceeds raised through Operation Red Nose support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign to ensure that children and families are able to access YMCA programs and services in our community, regardless of their financial situation.

In 2018, the Strong Kids Campaign provided over $1.2 million dollars to provide children, youth and families with the opportunity to find friendship, support and physical activity with a subsidized YMCA membership, programming, day camps or afterschool care.

The YMCA of Central East Ontario believes that every child deserves a strong, healthy start, regardless of their circumstances. Through participation in Operation Red Nose, you are helping to support children and families in our community.

This would not be possible without your support. Operation Red Nose is a free service and therefore cannot rely on donations received from those receiving a ride. In fact, along with 100% of donated funds, we are obligated to contribute 25% of all sponsorship money to the local host organizations being the YMCA and Camp Trillium.

Dates of Operation

Pick Up Locations


"All rides must start or end in Belleville or Trenton"

This year we will operate the service from 8:00pm with the last call being at 1:30am.
(613) 962-4334

A team of 3 Operation Red Nose volunteers will pick you up and drive you in your own vehicle
to the destination of your choice, for free.

Volunteer Now!

Registering is easy! Just click on the link to take you to our online registration form...


Want to register in person? Check back for available dates

NOTE: Location only supported during Registration Dates and Ride Nights

Volunteer Duties

Title Description Qualifications
Escort DriverEscorts the driver and navigator to and from each client destination Must have a vehicle to do the escortingMust be 19 years of age or older Must have valid driver’s license Must have valid / current automobile insurance Must carry license and insurance with them while volunteering
DriverDrives the client’s vehicle. Checks with the client to see insurance documentation. Ensures vehicle is cleared of snow/ice and is fit for drivingMust be 21 years of age or older Must have valid driver’s license Must carry license and insurance with them while volunteering
NavigatorRides with the Driver in the client's vehicle. Communicates with the Dispatcher by radio or cell phone to coordinate the next pick-up location or to report any incidents. Completes the Telephone/Dispatch Forms; recording times, kilometers traveled, number of passengers, amount of donations, etc. Submits documentation& donations to Cashier/Office Manager nightlyMust be 19 years of age or older Must be personable in dealing with clients
Welcome Desk - GreeterRegisters volunteers as they arrive -sign in and draws. Explains office layout and practices. Directs volunteers to the Office Manager as needed. Assists Red Nose Chair with Team set up as required.Must be 19 Years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with volunteers Note: Usually only works the earlier part of the evening and may leave once all teams have arrived
Kitchen/Food CoordinatorPicks up food items, drinks & snacks. Makes coffee, tea and picks up the meal as provided. Keeps kitchen, food serving tables and volunteer tables neat & tidy. Stocks fridges with drinks & water Puts out snacks & food for volunteers Manages garbage & recycle bins. Reports to the Treasurer or Office Manager for funds as required.Must be 19 years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with volunteers Note: Usually only works the earlier part of the evening and may leave after meal is set out – usually around 11 p.m.
Telephone OperatorReceives calls from clients. Completes Telephone/Dispatch Forms. Retrieves messages off voicemail Calls back clients when required Communicates with Runner as requiredMust be 19 years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with clients Must be able to ask pertinent questions Must to able to work in a fastpaced environment
CashierAccepts donations from Teams Ensures paperwork from Teams is correct Matches up transportation forms with dispatch forms Assist with nightly bank deposit & nightly statsMust be 19 years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with volunteers Shift start is 9 p.m. at the earliest. Majority of the activity is once the Teams return to Headquarters at the end of the evening. Could be as late as 4 a.m.
Ticket/Promo Items SellerSell 50/50 tickets Sell promotional items – hats, other clothing Sell trip guessing tickets Perform nightly drawsMust be 19 years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with volunteers
Nightly Operating Support PersonOrganize HQ prior to start of evening Organize tables & chairs Organize & place radios for easy access Organize Team kits & vests with radios Ensure that Team kits are ready for the next operating nightMust be 19 years of age or older Must be personable and friendly with volunteers

Contact Us!

t: (613) 962-4334
web: www.rednosequinte.ca
email: info@rednosequinte.com
    

Sponsors

Electro Cables  United Steel Workers  Belleville Lions Club
 
Trenton Cold Storage  P & G  Impacto  RBC Dominion Securities
 
Bardon Supplies  Kennametal  Investors Group  A & E Stone and Tile
Barb Shuster
 
Operation Red Nose


©Operation Red Nose 2023